Exploring Petaling Street and Central Market area in Kuala Lumpur

Shawn Ali 11/8/23 11:32 PM

Central Market and Petaling Street are two popular and vibrant shopping and cultural areas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here's some information about each of them:

Central Market Kuala Lumpur - Pasar Seni

Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, is a historical gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur. This iconic building has a rich heritage, evolving from a humble wet market into a thriving arts and crafts center.

Central Market is a great place to explore local crafts, traditional textiles, exquisite jewelry, captivating souvenirs, and breathtaking artwork from different regions of Malaysia. The market comes alive with lively street performances and cultural events, creating a dynamic hub for shopping and entertainment. Discover extraordinary gifts and keepsakes that beautifully capture the essence of Malaysia at this exceptional venue.

Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosque in Malaysia

Many visitors keen on delving into the historic charm of Kuala Lumpur opt to stay in the vibrant Petaling Street and Masjid Jamek area, known for its array of budget-friendly hotels and hostels. This bustling locale is a favorite among backpackers and solo travelers alike, offering a lively atmosphere and a plethora of accommodation options.

Popular Tours in KL: Kuala Lumpur Half-Day Tour

Central Market is a historical market in KL

Begin your adventure in this vibrant part of town by starting at Masjid Jamek Station, especially if you are staying elsewhere in Kuala Lumpur. The streets surrounding Masjid Jamek LRT are adorned with colorful Indian shops, bustling restaurants, cozy cafes, charming gift shops, and fragrant flower stalls.

A flower vendor on Lebuah Ampang

Additionally, a revered Hindu temple in the vicinity serves as a pilgrimage site for Hindus and forms a significant part of the Heritage Trail, showcasing the historical essence of the area.

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Petaling Street - Chinatown Kuala Lumpur

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown, is a vibrant and bustling street that is a hotspot for food, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Why Petaling street is a great place to explore in KL?

This lively street is famous for its bustling markets, offering a wide array of shops and stalls where you can find everything from knock-off designer items to electronics, clothing, and delicious street food.
Petaling Street is particularly renowned for its food stalls, where you can indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine like Hokkien mee, char kway teow, and various types of Chinese dishes.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of KL's Chinatown as you navigate through the bustling crowds and explore the vibrant street life, wall art, and hidden spots to enjoy a drink.

Cafes in Petaling Street Kuala Lumpur

Popular Restaurants include:

Sin Kew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodle: $ Great beef noodle
Merchant Lane
Mee Tarek Restaurant: $ Popular Street eats and local delights
Chinatown Seng Kee Restaurant: $$ Chinese

Both Central Market and Petaling Street are located near each other, attracting both tourists and locals with their unique blend of Malaysian culture, shopping opportunities, and delectable street food. Both of these locations can be explored in 2-3 hours at an easy pace.

wall-murals-chinatown-kl Murals in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur

Discover the enchanting charm of the back streets along Jalan Petaling and Jalan Panggang, where hidden gems await with stunning cultural murals adorning the walls. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Baijiu an intriguing bar that promises a unique experience.

beijiu-chinatown-kl A popular cafe in Jalan Panggong

The vibrant intersection of Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hang Jebat is a hotspot for the young and hip crowd, who often gather at trendy coffee shops and cafes like MYUB Kopi House and Coffee & Co. These streets buzz with energy all day long, and on weekends, the area comes alive with large crowds, offering a bustling and lively atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

kasturi walk central market area Kasturi Walk is located adjacent to Central Market

As you walk along the street passing through 4 Points Sheraton Hotel is ideally located at a very central location with some nice bars and restaurants including Jaan, Barra (Spanish Restaurant), Chocha Food Store (Asian fusion), and Hungry Tapir Vegan Restaurant.

Useful Link: Budget Hotels in Central Market & Petaling Street

A short stroll of just 5 minutes leads you back to the charming Kasturi Walk and the vibrant Central Market area. Nestled behind the market, an intriguing art gallery awaits, offering a captivating space to immerse yourself in local art and even participate in group activities like watercolor painting. The painting activity costs RM 10 and you can pick and choose the blank template or design of your choice.

Art activity in Central Market KL

Conclusion

Explore the Central Market and Petaling Street area as part of the Heritage Walk, guiding you through the city's most fascinating historical sites. Don't miss out on other incredible destinations nearby, such as Merdeka Square and the Kuala Lumpur Gallery, for a truly enriching experience of Malaysia's vibrant culture and heritage.